• Askesis Development Group (Pittsburgh) reported the introduction of the PsychConsult Provider 6.0. The new features are focused on creating a completely paperless environment with tools supporting clinical workflows, a comprehensive electronic medical record (EMR), and streamlined revenue cycle management. Highlights of new functionality include: Bed and Census Management an electronic bed board designed for inpatient and residential settings; Physician Order Entry for use across all levels of care; Clinical Records cumulative and multi-authored records of a patient's progress; Electronic Medication Administration Record (eMAR) fully integrated with Medication Orders and Schedules; and Interoperability Engine supporting HL-7 messaging.

• Cayenne Medical (Boston) said that a new Harvard clinical study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine (AJSM) found that Cayenne's AperFix System and "Single Tunnel, Double Bundle" ACL reconstruction technique better resembles the natural, intact ACL when compared to the more common, "Single-Bundle" technique. In the study, eight fresh-frozen human cadaveric knee specimens were tested at Harvard using a robotic testing system to investigate the response of the knee joint under various stresses and conditions. Of the conditions tested, the Cayenne Single-Tunnel, Double-Bundle ACL reconstruction proved to most resemble the natural, intact ACL and showed significantly superior kinematic results compared to the single-bundle reconstruction. These results are an accomplishment of the AperFix technology, which provides surgeons with aperture fixation, superior pullout strength and active, circumferential tendon compression.

• ContextVision (Stockholm, Sweden) said it has added a new version of its X-ray tuning software, GOPView XR2-T. The new version of GOPView XR2-T allows for fine adjustment of the image quality in digital X-ray images. XR2-T enables users to set their specific preferences for the post-processing of X-ray images. With XR2-T, the images can be tuned to suit the personal preferences of individual customers, whether that is an increased focus on the small details or a decrease in noise and artifacts. The new GOPView XR2-T features two separate modes, image and feature, which accommodates two primary user groups: imaging experts and radiologists.

• Cook Medical (Bloomberg, Indiana) reported that a five-year study confirms the long-term strength and durability of the Biodesign Hernia Graft. The study, the largest published series with the longest follow-up time for a biologic mesh used in hernia repair, demonstrated that the Biodesign Hernia Graft possesses the clinically important strength of non-absorbable mesh, while providing the benefit of decreased infection complications of absorbable mesh. Manufactured in the Cook Biotech facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, Biodesign is a breakthrough technology that provides signals and support for the body to restore itself. It incorporates the best attributes of a biologic graft complete remodeling and resistance to infection yet is easy to use, widely available and moderately priced.

• Diagnostic Hybrids (Athens, Ohio) reported the release of its D³ DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit for the U.S. market. The kit detects and identifies human metapneumovirus (MPV) from nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs, aspirates and washes using patent-pending MPV monoclonal antibodies. The D³ DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit can be used in direct testing of patient specimens with results in as fast as 15 minutes, or in cell culture with the patented R-Mix and R-Mix Too Mixed FreshCells cell culture systems for overnight results. The system includes the R-Mix and R-Mix Too mixed cell culture systems which allow for the rapid isolation of MPV in cell culture, and now the D³ DFA Metapneumovirus Identification Kit. The complete respiratory testing system, including additional D³ DFA respiratory testing kits, is available in the U.S., Canada, and select international markets.

• The FDA has approved the FC2 female condom, a lower-cost, second-generation product made by the Female Health Co. (Washington). The female condom is currently the only method available to prevent HIV infection and unintended pregnancy that is designed for women's initiation. FDA approval of the FC2 is significant since the new product will sell for about 30% less than its predecessor, the FC1. The company said reduction in manufacturing costs is one of many important avenues for making the new female condom more affordable and accessible to women and men in the U.S. and internationally. The FC2 has the same design, appearance and use as the FC1, but is made of a different material a synthetic rubber called nitrile.